One-Week Bulgaria Road Trip from Varna to Stara Zagora, Sofia, and Veliko Tarnovo

Your road trip adventure in Bulgaria begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Varna. You’ll stay in Varna for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Varna has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Sea Garden. This attraction is an urban park and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 32,141 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna, Sweet Parmy. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 645 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Varna is Happy Bar & Grill Center (Varna). This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,318 customers.

Locals recommend Happy Bar & Grill as one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,456 customers.

Varna also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Varna is Cubo. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,527 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Varna is Beach Bar Menthol. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,430 customers.

Locals also enjoy The Garden Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,562 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Bulgaria!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Varna has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Varna by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Varna. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations in the city of Varna, like the extraordinary Asparuhov park. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,162 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Varna is the spectacular Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral. This attraction is an eastern orthodox cathedral and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,920 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Retro Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,701 visitors.

This is a popular destination among visitors in Varna.

Your discovery of Varna does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Varna on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Bulgaria, be sure to eat at Staria Chinar - Port Varna, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,810 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Varna is the popular Godzila Sevastopol. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,248 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Varna is Staria Chinar Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,178 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Muffin bar & coffee is one of the best bars in the city of Varna for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,718 customers.

The BRICK bar is another of the most popular bars in the city of Varna. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,387 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Varna is Bar PUNTA CANA. Bar PUNTA CANA has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,540 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Varna!

Day 3 of your road trip through Bulgaria gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Nessebar and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Stara Zagora. You will stay in Stara Zagora for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Nessebar is the amazing Park Obzor. This attraction is a park that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,921 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible church, Church of Saint Sophia. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,816 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Nessebar is the outstanding Nesebar Archaeological Museum. This popular museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,692 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Nessebar by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Bulgaria. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Stara Zagora, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Golden Serbian Grill Pri Vlado, one of the best restaurants in the city of Stara Zagora. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,263 customers.

Locals also recommend Restaurant Uniqato as one of the best restaurants in the city of Stara Zagora. Restaurant Uniqato is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,988 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Stara Zagora is Shtastlivetsa. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,681 customers.

After dinner, visit Pri Kmeta, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Stara Zagora. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,871 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Drums. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,465 customers.

Alternatively, Brothers' cafe is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Stara Zagora. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 914 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 4 of your epic road trip in Bulgaria, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Stara Zagora. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Stara Zagora’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Stara Zagora, start your day with a visit to the amazing Antique Forum. This much-appreciated top-tier point of interest and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,420 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Artileriyski Park. This park and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,569 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Park “Ayazmo“ to make the most of your road trip across Bulgaria. The spectacular Park “Ayazmo“ is a park that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,145 visitors.

The lovely “Bedechka” Park is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 6,174 visitors have left this park average ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Stara Zagora has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Sofia. Sofia offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,010 reviews.

The remarkable Restaurant "Staria Chinar" is another top restaurant in Sofia we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,717 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Sofia, the fantastic Bar Friday. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,410 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful The Cocktail Bar. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Bulgaria!

On day 5 of your road trip across Bulgaria, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Sofia. You’ll stay in Sofia for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Best Western Plus Bristol Hotel, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Sofia. This hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 4,417 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Sofia is the 5-star Sofia Hotel Balkan, a Luxury Collection Hotel. The hotel is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 4,376 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Sofia is the 3-star Leda Hotel. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,201 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations in the city of Sofia, like the outstanding North Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,772 visitors.

South Park is another popular attraction you could visit in the city of Sofia. This incredible attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 30,616 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit in the city of Sofia is the extraordinary Park "Zaimov". This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 15,115 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Around 19,337 visitors have given this church an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Ivan Vazov National Theater. Ivan Vazov National Theater is a popular must-see tourist destination, rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 9,666 travelers.

Come to Sofia prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Sofia.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) Restaurant, after your day of exploring the city of Sofia. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,625 customers.

Art Club Museum is another of the best restaurants in the city of Sofia. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,570 customers.

Locals recommend One More Bar, one of the best bars in the city of Sofia, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,228 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Sofia, Halbite Beer Hall. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,280 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Bulgaria.

You’ll stay in Veliko Tarnovo for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore in the city of Sofia today is National Palace of Culture. This excellent attraction is a convention center that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 14,244 visitors.

We also recommend you visit the amazing Borisova Gradina Park, an outstanding park, in the city of Sofia. Around 27,212 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Sofia is Eagles' Bridge. This amazing attraction is a stone bridge and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 10,102 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Park "Geo Milev". This park and place of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,260 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Bulgaria, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. You’ll find many top-rated and popular tours in the city, offering unique experiences that will inspire you. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Bulgaria. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Gradski park Botevgrad for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 927 visitors.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Veliko Tarnovo.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo, Restaurant Asenevtsi. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,457 customers.

Locals recommend VkusoteriA as one of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. VkusoteriA is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 993 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Veliko Tarnovo is Shtastliveca ("The Lucky One"). This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,818 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Veliko Tarnovo, Bianko. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,466 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Lino Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,358 customers.

Tequila Bar Funky Monkey is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 493 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria with a toast!

Day 7 of your road trip through Bulgaria is your chance to discover two places in one day, the city of Veliko Tarnovo and the city of Shumen. Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit in the city of Veliko Tarnovo is the amazing Monument of Mother Bulgaria. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,742 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Marno Pole Park. This park and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,606 visitors.

Tsarevets Fortress is another popular attraction you can explore in the city of Veliko Tarnovo. This well-known attraction, a spectacular must-see tourist destination, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 11,718 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Veliko Tarnovo is another excellent way to spend your new day in Bulgaria. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Bulgaria’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Bulgaria’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Bulgaria’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Madara National Historical and Archaeological Park in the city of Shumen for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,445 visitors.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the city of Shumen is the outstanding Madara Horseman. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,348 visitors, this best-rated sightseeing destination deserves a spot on travelers' bucket lists.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Varna.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Morska terasa, one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,104 customers.

Locals also recommend El Kapan as one of the best restaurants in the city of Varna. El Kapan is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,370 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Varna is Happy Bar & Grill. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,955 customers.

After dinner, visit Cuba Beach Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Varna. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,018 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Cafe Bar Soho. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 136 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Bulgaria!

Day 8 of your road trip in Bulgaria is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Varna before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Casino Black Sea is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Varna. This casino and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 520 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Varna and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Bulgaria.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Varna at Stariyat chinar Preslav before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,788 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Mr Baba for your last chance at a meal in the city of Varna. The Mr Baba restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,420 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Varna. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Bulgaria!